Third-seeded Val-d’Or handed second-seeded Halifax its first home loss and second loss overall in the playoffs, winning 5-2 in Game 1 of their QMJHL semifinal series against the Mooseheads. Drouin registered a late assist when Halifax cut the Foreurs’ lead to 4-2, extending his point streak to 23 games. His multipoint game streak ended at 12 and his game-star streak ended at 11. The match-up to watch in this series is Drouin vs QMJHL MVP Anthony Mantha (Red Wings), who won the league scoring title. Mantha had the Foreurs’ empty net goal and an assist in Game 1. Game 2 is Saturday in Halifax.

North Bay stole home ice advantage away from the top-seeded Gens as they shut out Oshawa in Game 1, 1-0. Blujus and the Battalion defense limited Oshawa to 24 shots on goal and North Bay peppered Gens goalie Daniel Altshuller (Hurricanes) with 54 shots. Jake Smith had his third shutout of the playoffs for North Bay. Game 2 is Sunday in Oshawa.